Housing system

ABSTRACT

A portable housing system is provided that transmits forces through a plurality of walls. The walls may be arrayed about a central axis. A tension cable is wrapped around top ends of the walls, and anchor cables are interconnected to bottom ends of the walls. This cabling system transmits lateral forces through the walls towards the central axis. Joists and rafters extend inwardly from the walls towards a floor ring and a roof ring, respectively. The weight of the housing system acts against the cabling system, and the housing system rests in balanced state. The anchor cables may also anchor the housing system to a ground surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Non-Provisional application claims the benefit of priority fromU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/242,199 filed Oct. 15, 2015and from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/289,747 filed Feb.1, 2016, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to portable housing systems with walls andassembly hardware that transmit forces to keep the housing system in abalanced and robust state.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Housing structures are an integral part of human culture. Thesestructures serve as the focal point for many aspects of daily life.Accordingly, housing structures are as diverse as the various culturesthat use them. A Mongolian yurt is a circular, easily transportablehousing structure used by cultures in the Eurasian Steppe. A traditionalyurt is a basic housing structure generally comprising a wall, a roof,and a covering for the wall and the roof. The wall is typically acylindrical lattice set directly on the ground. A gap in the wall servesas a door. Roof portions extend upward from the top edge of the wall andascend toward a central point above the ground. Covers such as pelts maythen be used to overlay the wall and roof, thus completing the yurt.

The traditional yurt is popular for its relatively quick assembly,however, there are some deficiencies with the ancient design.Specifically, the basic lattice structure of the walls and roof cannotwithstand extreme forces such as high winds. The shape of thetraditional yurt presents a large area for air to impinge upon and pushover or collapse the yurt. This problem is especially acute after anatural disaster such as a hurricane or a tornado when robust andportable shelters are needed.

These deficiencies, among others, are addressed in the present inventiondescribed in detailed below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an aspect of the present invention to provide a robust,transportable housing system to withstand extreme forces and which canbe assembled and disassembled in an efficient and cost effective manner.For example, embodiments of the present invention may be deployed astemporary housing after a disaster such as a hurricane or a tornadowithout the need for a formal foundation. In some embodiments, forcesare transmitted through walls, and these forces along with the weight ofthe structure balance against each other to provide a housing structurein a strong and tensioned state.

It is one aspect of embodiments of the present invention to provide ahousing system that incorporates cabling to generate the forcesnecessary to counteract the weight of the housing system. A tensioncable may form a loop at the top end of the walls. A notch in the topend of the walls prevents the tension cable from moving upward ordownward. As the tension cable is tightened, a lateral force isgenerated and directed toward a central point or axis of the housingstructure.

Similarly, an anchor system generates another lateral force. The anchorsystem pulls the bottom ends of the walls toward an anchoring point in aground surface. The anchor system also has cabling that can be tensionedto generate a lateral force toward the central point or axis of thehousing system. As a result, the walls have lateral forces at the topand bottom ends. The weight of the housing system, including the roofand the floor, push outward in the opposite direction of the lateralforces. Thus, the entire housing system is in a balanced, tensionedstate, which provides a robust housing structure that can withstandextreme forces and be quickly assembled.

It is another aspect of embodiments of the present invention to providea housing system that incorporates a floor ring and a roof ring. Aplurality of joists may comprise the floor of the housing system, and aplurality of rafters may comprise the roof of the housing system. Theproximate ends of the joists and the rafters are interconnected to thefloor ring and the roof ring, respectively. The rigid floor ring androof ring distribute forces among the joists and the rafters. Forexample, if a gust of wind impinged on one side of the housing system,then the rings would distribute the forces among the plurality of joistsand rafters, and the rings would preserve the overall shape of thehousing system. This allows the housing system to maintain the balancebetween the lateral forces and the weight of the structure, even whenthe housing system is subject to external forces.

It is an aspect of embodiments of the present invention to providehousing features to the housing structure described herein. For example,a door may be utilized in place of a wall, or a wall with a window maybe utilized in place of a standard wall. An awning may be positionedover the door or window. In some embodiments, a dome is placed above theroof ring. The dome may be transparent or translucent to allow externallight into the structure.

One particular embodiment of the present invention is a portable housingsystem for transmitting forces through a plurality of walls, comprisinga plurality of walls having an upper end and a lower end, said pluralityof walls substantially positioned around a central axis; a tension cablecircumscribing an outer surface of said plurality of walls proximate tosaid upper end of walls, said tension cable applying a force laterallythrough said upper end of said plurality of walls and substantiallytoward said central axis; a plurality of joists having a proximate endand a distal end, said distal end of said plurality of joists isinterconnected to said lower end of said plurality of walls; a pluralityof joist plates provide said interconnection between said plurality ofjoists and said plurality of walls, wherein said plurality of j oistplates interconnect adjacent walls; a plurality of cable anchorsinterconnected to said plurality of joist plates and interconnected to aground surface, said plurality of cable anchors applying a forcelaterally through said joist plates and said lower end of said pluralityof walls and substantially toward said central axis; and a floor ringdisposed about said central axis, said proximate end of said pluralityof joists is interconnected to said floor ring.

In some embodiments, the housing system further comprises a plurality ofrafters having a distal end and a proximate end, said distal end of saidplurality of rafters is interconnected to said upper end of saidplurality of walls; and a roof ring disposed about said central axis,said proximate end of said plurality of rafters is interconnected tosaid roof ring. In various embodiments, the housing system furthercomprises a plurality of rafter brackets to provide said interconnectionbetween said plurality of rafters and said plurality of walls. In someembodiments, the housing system further comprises a plurality of ceilingpanels positioned on said plurality of rafters; a roof cover positionedon said plurality of ceiling panels; a roof crown positioned on saidroof cover above said roof ring; and a roof dome interconnected to saidroof crown. In various embodiments, the housing system further comprisesa plurality of floor panels positioned on said plurality of joists.

In certain embodiments, the housing system further comprises a pluralityof leveling feet positioned below said plurality of joist plates,wherein said plurality of leveling feet comprise threaded bolts thatpass through said plurality of j oist plates and into said plurality ofwalls. In some embodiments, said cable anchors of said plurality ofcable anchors comprise a drive anchor to penetrate said ground surface.In various embodiments, each joist plate comprises a longitudinalaperture, wherein a fastener passes through said longitudinal apertureof each joist plate into a respective joist of said plurality of joists, and wherein said fastener and said respective joist arepositionable relative to each joist plate along said longitudinalaperture. In some embodiments, at least one threaded bolt passes throughat least one lateral aperture of each joist plate into a respectivewall, wherein said at least one threaded bolt and said respective wallare positionable relative to each joist plate along said lateralaperture.

Another particular embodiment of the present invention is a method forassembling a housing system, comprising (i) placing a floor ring on aground surface, wherein a central axis extends vertically through acenter of said floor ring; (ii) interconnecting a proximate end of aplurality of joists to said floor ring; (iii) interconnecting a lowerend of a plurality of walls to a distal end of said plurality of joists,wherein a plurality of cable anchors are interconnected to said groundsurface and operably interconnected to said lower end of said pluralityof walls; (iv) applying, by said plurality of cable anchors, a forcethrough said lower end of said plurality of walls toward said centralaxis to induce a first radial force on said floor ring; (v)interconnecting a distal end of a plurality of rafters to said upper endof said plurality of walls; (vi) interconnecting a proximate end of saidplurality of rafters to a roof ring, wherein said central axis extendsvertically through a center of said roof ring; (vii) providing a tensioncable about an outer perimeter of said plurality of walls proximate toan upper end of said plurality of walls; and (viii) applying, by saidtension cable, a force through said upper end of said plurality of wallstoward said central axis to induce a second radial force on said roofring.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises (ix) providing aplurality of rafter brackets to interconnect said plurality of raftersand said plurality of walls. In various embodiments, the method furthercomprises (x) interconnecting a plurality of ceiling panels to saidplurality of rafters; (xi) positioning a roof cover on said plurality ofceiling panels; (xii) positioning a roof crown on said roof cover abovesaid roof ring; and (xiii) interconnecting a roof dome to said roofcrown. In certain embodiments, at least one wall of said plurality ofwalls has a hinged door to provide access into said housing system. Insome embodiments, the method further comprises (xiv) providing aplurality of j oist plates to interconnect said plurality of joists andsaid walls, wherein said plurality of joist plates interconnect adjacentwalls, and said plurality of cable anchors are interconnected to saidplurality of joist plates.

In various embodiments, the method further comprises (xv) positioning aplurality of leveling feet below said plurality of joist plates, whereinsaid plurality of leveling feet comprise threaded bolts that passthrough said plurality of joist plates and into said plurality of walls.In certain embodiments, said cable anchors of said plurality of cableanchors comprise a drive anchor to penetrate said ground surface. Insome embodiments, the method further comprises (xvi) providing alongitudinal aperture on each joist plate; and (xvii) passing a fastenerthrough said longitudinal aperture of each joist plate into a respectivejoist of said plurality ofjoists, and wherein said fastener and saidrespective joist are positionable relative to each joist plate alongsaid longitudinal aperture. In certain embodiments, the method furthercomprises (xviii) passing at least one threaded bolt through at leastone lateral aperture of each joist plate into a respective wall, whereinsaid at least one threaded bolt and said respective wall arepositionable relative to each joist plate along said lateral aperture.

Yet another particular embodiment of the present invention is aportable, self-standing structure, comprising a plurality of wallshaving an upper end and a lower end, said plurality of wallssubstantially arrayed about a central axis; a tension cablecircumscribing an outer surface of said plurality of walls proximate tosaid upper end of walls, said tension cable applying a force laterallythrough said upper end of said plurality of walls and substantiallytoward said central axis; a plurality of joists having a proximate endand a distal end, said distal end of said plurality of joistsinterconnected to said lower end of said plurality of walls via aplurality of joist plates, wherein said plurality of joist platesinterconnect adjacent walls; a plurality of cable anchors interconnectedto said plurality of joist plates and interconnected to a groundsurface, said plurality of cable anchors applying a force laterallythrough said joist plates and said lower end of said plurality of wallsand substantially toward said central axis; floor ring disposed aboutsaid central axis, said proximate end of said plurality of joistsinterconnected to said floor ring; a plurality of rafters having adistal end and a proximate end, said distal end of said plurality ofrafters interconnected to said upper end of said plurality of walls viaa plurality of rafter plates, wherein a bolt extending from said distalend of said plurality of rafters extends through an aperture in saidplurality of rafter plates; and a roof ring disposed about said centralaxis, said proximate end of said plurality of rafters interconnected tosaid roof ring. In some embodiments, each cable anchor of said pluralityof cable anchors is interconnected to adjacent joist plates.

These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of thepresent invention(s) contained herein. The above-described embodiments,objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. TheSummary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construedas being representative of the full extent and scope of the presentinvention. Moreover, references made herein to “the present invention”or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments ofthe invention and should not necessarily be construed as limiting allembodiments to a particular description. The present invention is setforth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention aswell as in the attached drawings and Detailed Description and nolimitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended byeither the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. inthis Summary of the Invention. Additional aspects of the presentinvention will become more readily apparent from the DetailedDescription particularly when taken together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure andtogether with the general description of the disclosure given above andthe detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explainthe principles of the disclosures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a housing system in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a plurality of piers for a housing systemin accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a plurality of joists in accordancewith various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a top plan view of a plurality of joists interconnected to afloor ring in accordance with various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4A is a top plan view of a joist plate in accordance with variousembodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 4B and 4C are perspective views of a joist plate in accordancewith various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a plurality of floor sheaths in accordancewith various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a top plan view of a joint between two walls in accordancewith various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a front elevation view of a wall in accordance with variousembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6C is a cross sectional, side elevation view of a wall inaccordance with various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a top end of a wall joint where eachwall has a notch in accordance with various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a top end of a wall joint with atension cable positioned in notches in each wall in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8A is a top plan view of an anchor system in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of an anchor system in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8C is a side elevation view of an anchor rod in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a plurality of rafters interconnectedto a roof ring in accordance with various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9B is a cross sectional view of an interconnection between a rafterand a wall in accordance with various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a plurality of roof panels inaccordance with various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a roof cover in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a roof crown in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11B is a side elevation view of a roof crown and a roof dome inaccordance with various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a housing system in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of an interior of a housing system inaccordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

To assist in the understanding of the embodiments of the presentinvention the following list of components and associated numberingfound in the drawings is provided herein:

Component No. Component  2 Housing System  4 Pier  6 Floor  8 Wall 10Roof 12 Dome 14 Door 16 Awning 18 Window 20 Anchor 22 Rod Offset 24Cable Angle 26 Edge Joist 28 Center Joist 30 Ledger 32 Floor Ring 34Joist Plate 35A Longitudinal Aperture 35B Lateral Aperture 36 LevelingFeet 38 First Floor Sheath 40 Second Floor Sheath 42 Third Floor Sheath44 Frame 46 Brace 48 Structural Panel 50 Notch 52 Tension Cable 54Anchor Cable 56 Anchor Rod 58 Anchor Cable Adjuster 60 Edge Rafter 62Center Rafter 64 Roof Ring 66 Rafter Bracket 68 Bolt 70 Roof Panel 72Roof Cover 74 Roof Crown

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale,and various dimensions may be altered. In certain instances, detailsthat are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention orthat render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted.It should be understood, of course, that the present invention is notnecessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention has significant benefits across a broad spectrumof endeavors. It is the Applicant's intent that this specification andthe claims appended hereto be accorded a breadth in keeping with thescope and spirit of the present invention being disclosed despite whatmight appear to be limiting language imposed by the requirements ofreferring to the specific examples disclosed. To acquaint personsskilled in the pertinent arts most closely related to the presentinvention, a preferred embodiment that illustrates the best mode nowcontemplated for putting the present invention into practice isdescribed herein by, and with reference to, the annexed drawings thatform a part of the specification. The exemplary embodiment is describedin detail without attempting to describe all of the various forms andmodifications in which the present invention might be embodied. As such,the embodiments described herein are illustrative, and as will becomeapparent to those skilled in the arts, and may be modified in numerousways within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Although the following text sets forth a detailed description ofnumerous different embodiments, it should be understood that thedetailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does notdescribe every possible embodiment since describing every possibleembodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternativeembodiments could be implemented, using either current technology ortechnology developed after the filing date of this patent, which wouldstill fall within the scope of the claims. To the extent that any termrecited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in thispatent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done forsake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is notintended that such claim term by limited, by implication or otherwise,to that single meaning.

Various embodiments of the present invention are described herein and asdepicted in the drawings. It is expressly understood that although thefigures show rings, joists, rafters, and other components, the presentinvention is not limited to these embodiments.

Now referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a housing system 2 isprovided. The housing system 2 in this embodiment generally comprises asystem of piers 4, a floor 6 set on the piers 4, walls 8 extendingupward from the floor 6, a roof 10 extending upward from the walls 8,and a dome 12 set on top of the roof 10. The housing system 2 maycomprise further features. For example, a door 14 may be disposed abovethe floor 6 in place of a wall 8, and an awning 16 may be positionedover the door 14. Further, one or more windows 18 may be positioned inthe walls 8.

The housing system 2 in FIG. 1 is a sixteen-sided structure, but otherembodiments of the invention may have other configurations. For example,the housing system 2 may be a fourteen-sided or twelve-sided structure.It will be appreciated that aspects of the invention described hereinmay apply to a housing system 2 with any number of sides, including asingle continuous side.

Now referring to FIG. 2, a top plan view of a pier 4 system is provided.Outer piers 4 a-4 p are arrayed about a center point or axis of thehousing system, and center piers 4 q-4 t are positioned adjacent to thecenter point. In some embodiments, the center of each outer pier 4 a-4 pis positioned 11′ 1¼″ from the center point of the housing system.Similarly, in some embodiments, the center of each center pier 4 q-4 tis positioned 17 3/16″ from the center point of the housing system. Insome embodiments, the piers 4 a-4 t may be made from cement and havetheir respective heights adjusted with a mortar layer.

The piers 4 are also associated with an anchor 20 system. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 2, a pair of outer piers 4 a-4 p are matchedwith an anchor 20. For example, piers 4 e and 4 f are matched with asingle anchor 20. The anchor comprises an anchor rod and an anchorcable, which are described in greater detail below with respect to FIGS.8A and 8B. The point at which the anchor rod breaks through the groundsurface may be positioned from a circumference of the outer piers 4 a-4p by a rod offset 22, which in some embodiments is approximately 24″.Further, the anchor cables may form a cable angle 24 with thecircumference of the outer piers 4 a-4 p, which in some embodiments isapproximately 45°. The distance between the midpoints of adjacent outerpiers 4 a-4 p may be approximately 52″ in some embodiments. Similarly,the distance between the midpoints of adjacent center piers 4 q-4 t maybe approximately 24 5/16″.

Now referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, floor joists may be positioned on thepiers 4 a-4 t after the piers 4 a-4 t are leveled and set in place. Inthis embodiment, sixteen edge joists 26 and sixteen center joists 28emanate from a central point or axis of the housing system. The edgejoists 26 may be double joists, and distal ends of the edge joists 26are positioned on the outer piers. Ledgers 30 interconnect the distalends of the edge joists 26 from pier to pier. Then, distal ends of thecenter joists 28 are interconnected to the ledgers 30. In someembodiments, the joists and ledgers may be made from wood.

FIG. 3B provides a detailed top plan view of proximate ends of the edgejoists 26 and the center joists 28. A floor ring 32 is positioned aboutthe central point or axis of the housing system, and the floor ring 32is disposed on the center piers. The proximate ends of the edge joists26 and the center joists 28 may be interconnected to the floor ring 32via dowels or any other means of interconnection.

Now referring to FIGS. 4A-4C, various views of a joist plate 34 areprovided. The joist plate 34 provides the interface between the edgejoists 26 and the piers 4 on which the edge joists 26 are positioned. Insome embodiments, the joist plate 34 may be made from 3/16″ steel, butit will be appreciated that the joist plate 34 may be made from anyrigid material of appropriate size. As shown in FIG. 4A, the joist plate34 may comprise longitudinal apertures 35A and lateral apertures 35B.Fasteners such as threaded bolts pass through the longitudinal apertures35A and into an edge joist 26. In some embodiments, the configurationbetween the fasteners and the longitudinal apertures 35A allows thejoist plate 34 to move relative to the edge joist 26.

Leveling feet 36 may be secured to the lateral apertures 35B in thejoist plate 34, and the leveling feet 36 allow the joist plate 34 torest on the pier 4. The leveling feet 36 may be vertically adjusted toensure that the edge joists 26 and the ledgers 30 form a level platform.The leveling feet 36 may also comprise a threaded bolt that extendsupward through the lateral apertures 35B of the joist plate 34 and intowalls. Therefore, with the walls and the leveling feet 36 secured to thejoist plate 34, the walls may move relative to the edge joists 26 andthe floor due to the configuration between the fasteners and thelongitudinal apertures 35A in the joist plate 34.

Now referring to FIG. 5, a top plan view of a floor 6 is provided. Aseries of sheaths cover the joists and ledgers shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.The first floor sheath 38 covers the interconnection between the distalends of the edge joists and the ledgers. The second floor sheath 40covers the space substantially disposed between the edge joists. Lastly,the third floor sheath 42 covers the proximate ends of the joists andthe floor ring. Thus, complete flooring is provided for the housingsystem. The sheaths in some embodiments may be made from plywood.

Now referring to FIGS. 6A-6C, various views of the walls 8 erected overthe floor are provided. In FIG. 6A, two walls 8 are joined together, andthe intersection between the two walls 8 is positioned over the joistplate 34 at the distal end of an edge joist 26. In this embodiment, athreaded bolt from each of the leveling feet passes through the joistplate 34 and into the bottom end of the walls 8.

FIGS. 6B and 6C show alternative views of a wall 8. In FIG. 6B, the wall8 comprises a frame 44 outlining the outer edge of the wall 8 and abrace 46 positioned across the frame 44 to support one or morestructural panels 48 that fill in the space defined by the frame 44. Theframe 44 may be wood in various embodiments, and the structural panels48 can be configured to meet the demands of the environment surroundingthe housing system. For example, the structural panels 48 may have ahigh thermal R value to protect against a cold climate. In someembodiments, the panels 48 are wood or engineered wood such asLP®SmartSide®.

Now referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, various perspective views of the topend of two walls 8 are provided. The bottoms ends of the walls 8 aresecured to the leveling feet and the joist plate. At the top end of thewalls 8, on an outer surface, a notch 50 is provided for a tension cable52. Once the tension cable 52 is positioned in the notch 50, the notch50 prevents upward or downward movement of the tension cable 52 alongthe walls 8. Then, the tension cable 52 is tightened, for example by aturnbuckle, to secure the top ends of the walls 8 together. The tensioncable 52 provides a lateral force directed toward a central point oraxis of the housing system.

Now referring to FIGS. 8A-8C, various views of the anchor 20 areprovided. FIG. 8A is a top plan view of the anchor 20, which comprisesan anchor cable 54, an anchor rod 56, and an anchor cable adjuster 58.The anchor rod 56 is positioned in the ground beneath the housingstructure. The anchor rod 56 may be configured to anchor within, forexample, soil or rock. It will be appreciated that the anchor rod 56 isnot limited to these ground types. Further, the exposed end of theanchor rod 56 may form an anchor angle with the ground surface. In someembodiments, the anchor angle is approximately 45° and oriented awayfrom the center point or axis of the housing system as shown in FIG. 8C.

In yet further embodiments, the anchor rod 56 is interconnected to thefloor ring. The anchor cable 54 interconnects one end of the anchor rod56 to two adjacent joist plates 34. The anchor cable adjuster 58 can beconfigured to apply tension to the anchor cable 54. Thus, the joistplates 34, the leveling feet, and the walls 8 are pulled inward toward acentral point or axis of the housing system to secure these componentsin place. This lateral force and the lateral force applied to the topend of the walls draws the walls inward. The weight of the roof, thewalls and other components provides a force that counteracts the forcegenerated by the cabling system. Thus, the resulting housing systemrests in a balanced and tensioned state, which supports the housingsystem against extreme forces.

Now referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, a perspective view and a crosssectional view of the roof are provided, respectively. In FIG. 9A, theroof comprises a series of rafters, specifically, sixteen edge rafters60 and sixteen center rafters 62. The edge rafters 60 extend from thejoints between two walls 8 upward toward a central point or axis of thehousing system. The central rafters 62 may be interconnected to a saddlebracket in the center of the walls 8 and extend upward toward thecentral point or axis of the housing system. Proximate ends of therafters 60, 62 are interconnected to a roof ring 64, which is similar tothe floor ring. The roof ring 64 is positioned about a central point oraxis of the housing system, and the proximate ends of the rafters 60, 62may be interconnected to the roof ring 64 via dowels or any other meansof interconnection.

FIG. 9B shows a cross sectional view of an edge rafter 60 interconnectedto walls. A rafter bracket 66 is interconnected to two walls 8 at theinterconnection between the two walls 8. An aperture in the rafterbracket 66 provides a location for a bolt 68 extending from the edgerafter 60 to interconnect to the rafter bracket 66.

Now referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, perspective views of the roof 10 areprovided. In FIG. 10A, a series of roof panels 70 are positioned overthe rafters. The roof panels may be configured to provide enhancedperformance in various environments, and the roof panels may be plywoodin some embodiments. After the roof panels 70 are in place, a roof cover72 may be positioned over the roof panels 70 as shown in FIG. 10B. Theroof cover 72 may be a single piece of material that, for example,provides a water proof quality to the roof. The roof cover 72 may be,for example, a continuous PVC membrane that is secured to the tensioncable around the top ends of the walls. The roof cover 72 may alsocomprise a layer of insulating foam in some embodiments. The tensioncable and the bottom of the roof cover 72 may be covered with a valance.

Now referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, various views of the roof 10 and aroof crown 74 are provided. The proximate ends of the rafters arepositioned in a roof ring, and then a roof crown 74 is positioned overthe roof ring. The roof crown 74 provides a location for the dome 12 tobe secured to the housing system. The dome 12 may be transparent ortranslucent to allow external light into the housing system. Forexample, the dome 12 may be made from acrylic or other type oftransparent high impact plastic such as Plexiglas.

Now referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, perspective views of the outside ofa completed housing system and the inside of a completed housing systemare provided, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, walls are notpositioned above every floor ledger. For example, window walls or doorsmay be positioned in place of a standard wall.

The present invention has significant benefits across a broad spectrumof endeavors. It is the Applicant's intent that this specification andthe claims appended hereto be accorded a breadth in keeping with thescope and spirit of the present invention being disclosed despite whatmight appear to be limiting language imposed by the requirements ofreferring to the specific examples disclosed. For example, embodimentsof the present invention can include barns, pavilions, or any otherstructure that can utilize the benefits described herein.

The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or”, as used herein,are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive inoperation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B,and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “oneor more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, Calone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B,and C together.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities,dimensions, conditions, and so forth used in the specification,drawings, and claims are to be understood as being modified in allinstances by the term “about.”

The term “a” or “an” entity, as used herein, refers to one or more ofthat entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “atleast one” can be used interchangeably herein.

The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” and variationsthereof, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter andequivalents thereof as well as additional items. Accordingly, the terms“including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof can beused interchangeably herein.

It shall be understood that the term “means” as used herein shall begiven its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C.§112(f). Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means” shall coverall structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of theequivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials, or acts, andthe equivalents thereof, shall include all those described in thesummary of the present invention, brief description of the drawings,detailed description, abstract, and claims themselves.

The foregoing description of the present invention has been presentedfor illustration and description purposes. However, the description isnot intended to limit the present invention to only the forms disclosedherein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, variousfeatures of the present invention are grouped together in one or moreembodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This methodof disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention thatthe claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recitedin each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventiveaspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosedembodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into thisDetailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separatepreferred embodiment of the present invention.

Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the aboveteachings and skill and knowledge of the relevant art are within thescope of the present invention. The embodiments described herein aboveare further intended to explain best modes of practicing the presentinvention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize theinvention in such a manner, or include other embodiments with variousmodifications as required by the particular application(s) or use(s) ofthe present invention. Thus, it is intended that the claims be construedto include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the priorart.

1. A portable housing system for transmitting forces through a pluralityof walls, comprising: a plurality of walls having an upper end and alower end, said plurality of walls substantially positioned around acentral axis; a tension cable circumscribing an outer surface of saidplurality of walls proximate to said upper end of walls, said tensioncable applying a force laterally through said upper end of saidplurality of walls and substantially toward said central axis; aplurality of joists having a proximate end and a distal end, said distalend of said plurality of joists is interconnected to said lower end ofsaid plurality of walls; a plurality of joist plates provide saidinterconnection between said plurality of joists and said plurality ofwalls, wherein said plurality of joist plates interconnect adjacentwalls; a plurality of cable anchors interconnected to said plurality ofjoist plates and interconnected to a ground surface, said plurality ofcable anchors applying a force laterally through said joist plates andsaid lower end of said plurality of walls and substantially toward saidcentral axis; and a floor ring disposed about said central axis, saidproximate end of said plurality of joists is interconnected to saidfloor ring.
 2. The portable housing system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a plurality of rafters having a distal end and a proximateend, said distal end of said plurality of rafters is interconnected tosaid upper end of said plurality of walls; and a roof ring disposedabout said central axis, said proximate end of said plurality of raftersis interconnected to said roof ring.
 3. The portable housing system ofclaim 2, further comprising: a plurality of rafter brackets to providesaid interconnection between said plurality of rafters and saidplurality of walls.
 4. The portable housing system of claim 2, furthercomprising: a plurality of ceiling panels positioned on said pluralityof rafters; a roof cover positioned on said plurality of ceiling panels;a roof crown positioned on said roof cover above said roof ring; and aroof dome interconnected to said roof crown.
 5. The portable housingsystem of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of floor panelspositioned on said plurality of joists.
 6. The portable housing systemof claim 1, further comprising a plurality of leveling feet positionedbelow said plurality of joist plates, wherein said plurality of levelingfeet comprise threaded bolts that pass through said plurality of j oistplates and into said plurality of walls.
 7. The portable housing systemof claim 1, wherein said cable anchors of said plurality of cableanchors comprise a drive anchor to penetrate said ground surface.
 8. Theportable housing system of claim 1, wherein each joist plate comprises alongitudinal aperture, wherein a fastener passes through saidlongitudinal aperture of each joist plate into a respective joist ofsaid plurality of j oists, and wherein said fastener and said respectivejoist are positionable relative to each joist plate along saidlongitudinal aperture.
 9. The portable housing system of claim 6,wherein at least one threaded bolt passes through at least one lateralaperture of each joist plate into a respective wall, wherein said atleast one threaded bolt and said respective wall are positionablerelative to each joist plate along said lateral aperture.
 10. A methodfor assembling a housing system, comprising: placing a floor ring on aground surface, wherein a central axis extends vertically through acenter of said floor ring; interconnecting a proximate end of aplurality of joists to said floor ring; interconnecting a lower end of aplurality of walls to a distal end of said plurality of joists, whereina plurality of cable anchors are interconnected to said ground surfaceand operably interconnected to said lower end of said plurality ofwalls; applying, by said plurality of cable anchors, a force throughsaid lower end of said plurality of walls toward said central axis toinduce a first radial force on said floor ring; interconnecting a distalend of a plurality of rafters to said upper end of said plurality ofwalls; interconnecting a proximate end of said plurality of rafters to aroof ring, wherein said central axis extends vertically through a centerof said roof ring; providing a tension cable about an outer perimeter ofsaid plurality of walls proximate to an upper end of said plurality ofwalls; and applying, by said tension cable, a force through said upperend of said plurality of walls toward said central axis to induce asecond radial force on said roof ring.
 11. The method of claim 10,further comprising: providing a plurality of rafter brackets tointerconnect said plurality of rafters and said plurality of walls. 12.The method of claim 10, further comprising: interconnecting a pluralityof ceiling panels to said plurality of rafters; positioning a roof coveron said plurality of ceiling panels; positioning a roof crown on saidroof cover above said roof ring; and interconnecting a roof dome to saidroof crown.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one wall ofsaid plurality of walls has a hinged door to provide access into saidhousing system.
 14. The method of claim 10, further comprising:providing a plurality of joist plates to interconnect said plurality ofjoists and said walls, wherein said plurality of joist platesinterconnect adjacent walls, and said plurality of cable anchors areinterconnected to said plurality of joist plates.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, further comprising: positioning a plurality of leveling feetbelow said plurality of joist plates, wherein said plurality of levelingfeet comprise threaded bolts that pass through said plurality of joistplates and into said plurality of walls.
 16. The method of claim 10,wherein said cable anchors of said plurality of cable anchors comprise adrive anchor to penetrate said ground surface.
 17. The method of claim14, further comprising: providing a longitudinal aperture on each joistplate; and passing a fastener through said longitudinal aperture of eachjoist plate into a respective joist of said plurality of joists, andwherein said fastener and said respective joist are positionablerelative to each joist plate along said longitudinal aperture.
 18. Themethod of claim 14, further comprising: passing at least one threadedbolt through at least one lateral aperture of each joist plate into arespective wall, wherein said at least one threaded bolt and saidrespective wall are positionable relative to each joist plate along saidlateral aperture.
 19. A portable self-standing structure, comprising: aplurality of walls having an upper end and a lower end, said pluralityof walls substantially arrayed about a central axis; a tension cablecircumscribing an outer surface of said plurality of walls proximate tosaid upper end of walls, said tension cable applying a force laterallythrough said upper end of said plurality of walls and substantiallytoward said central axis; a plurality of joists having a proximate endand a distal end, said distal end of said plurality of joistsinterconnected to said lower end of said plurality of walls via aplurality of joist plates, wherein said plurality of joist platesinterconnect adjacent walls; a plurality of cable anchors interconnectedto said plurality of joist plates and interconnected to a groundsurface, said plurality of cable anchors applying a force laterallythrough said joist plates and said lower end of said plurality of wallsand substantially toward said central axis; a floor ring disposed aboutsaid central axis, said proximate end of said plurality of joistsinterconnected to said floor ring; a plurality of rafters having adistal end and a proximate end, said distal end of said plurality ofrafters interconnected to said upper end of said plurality of walls viaa plurality of rafter plates, wherein a bolt extending from said distalend of said plurality of rafters extends through an aperture in saidplurality of rafter plates; and a roof ring disposed about said centralaxis, said proximate end of said plurality of rafters interconnected tosaid roof ring.
 20. The portable self-standing structure of claim 19,wherein each cable anchor of said plurality of cable anchors isinterconnected to adjacent joist plates.